After assisting a patient using his metered-dose inhaler, the patient's son asks why his father cannot take the medication in the form of a pill. Which one of the following responses is most appropriate?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

Medications that are taken as inhalers are designed to go directly into the lungs, where they can work quickly and effectively. These medications act locally on the airways and do not need to be absorbed into the bloodstream first, which is why they work faster than pills. Explaining this to the patient's son is the most appropriate response. Option A is incorrect because it does not answer the patient's question, and option C is incorrect because not all medications can be taken sublingually. Option D is also incorrect because there are several medications for asthma that come in pill form, but they may not be suitable for all patients.

After Assisting a Patient Using His Metered-Dose Inhaler, the Patient's